Isolation and Christmas

Over the years, especially as a very young boy in elementary school, I always wondered how some of my Jewish friends coped with the whole Christmas thing. Not the religious aspect of Christmas, but coping with the commercial aspects. All around us, we are surrounded by Santa and all the trappings that go with it. Every department store, almost every home is smothered with lights, decor, a reminder that Santa is on his way. Movies old and new, some that are now a yearly tradition, travel the airways (or is it cable ways) to our home. Having some friends of the Jewish faith, I understood, and knew, that their beliefs were as valid as mine. And their traditions are important and to be respected. When I asked them, they would scoff Christmas off. But underneath it all, were they really bothered? All the Christmas cut and paste things we had to do in school, the Christmas plays, just talking about Christmas all the time. I would be bothered. My mom would say they are practicing in a respectful tradition, of the old faith. In a good way without the commercialism. She would also say, "Who knows, maybe they are right and we are the ones that are off base (pretty radical statement for a Catholic). One of my girlfriends during high school, was Jewish (and a "born again"). Her parents also celebrated the Santa thing. Tree and all, and Hanukkah. Talk about gifts! So I knew some that would still do the Santa thing, for the kids. I would sometimes feel sorry for my friends for "missing out" on the Christmas tree, and Santa, thinking they must really feel isolated. But then again, I realized, that it takes a strong person to follow their path, even though the norm is not. How did a Jewish parent handle a child's question at the mall, when kids are lined up to sit on Santa's lap? What about the lights decorating homes and businesses alike? Sad to say, that all though the yrs, especially in elementary school, Christmas was mentioned, read about etc. Very little was taught, or mentioned of any of the Jewish holidays, or any other religious holidays altogether. Maybe that is different today. This question is posed to not only to those of the Jewish faith, but those of other faiths as well; that do not practice Christmas. How, though a child's eye, did they (you) see Christmas? Due to this lack of theses teachings in my prior public education, I am out of it as to the Jewish celebrations, and of other religions as well. The internet is now there to help :o)

COOL AD FROM RENAULT

http://twoboysandadog.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/08/an-officer-and-.html

NEW SOMA BAR UPDATE

In case you haven’t heard, we are in danger of not being able to open a leather bar at 1225 Folsom Street. The Southern Station Police Department, which oversees the SOMA district, can and has suggested imposing “conditions” to the license we are in the process of transferring, such as early closing times. The ABC usually accepts any conditions requested by the Police Department. The Southern Station Captain and Permit Officer compared the traditional leather bar we seek to open to the old My Place that had numerous violations and had its license suspended on a few occasions for “lewd” conduct. AND – are you sitting – they are concerned that opening this traditional leather bar would add to the current problems of shootings, stabbings and gang fights on 11th Street. I don’t know about you – but what gay leather bar that has opened in the last fifty years has had problems with shootings, stabbings and gang fights?

Speak up, let the Police Department hear YOUR voice!

Make some telephone calls – tell elected local and state officials that you want this bar -- tell the Police Department who have suggested conditions attached be to the license (i.e., closing early!) you want a regular closing time. Why would anyone assume we will not operate a legal and violation fee establishment? Fundamental to our basic rights is that we are innocent until proven guilty; however, we are being considered guilty before opening the bar and suffering the consequences of other bars that will not resemble or share any similar character as the traditional leather bar we wish to open.

San Francisco Supervisor Ammiano – 415.554.5144
San Francisco Supervisor Daly – 415.554.7970
San Francisco Supervisor Dufty – 415.554.6968
Mayor of San Francisco Gavin Newson – 415.554.6141
State Assembly Member Leno – 415.557.3013
State Senator Migden – 415.557.1300
SFPD Chief Heather Fong – 415.553.1551
SFPD Southern Station Captain Daniel McDonagh – 415.553.1373
SFPD Southern Station Permit Officer Nicole Manning – 415.553.9722

If you haven’t written your letter to support this bar yet – do it now. You can address the letter to the ABC, send it to me – see contact information below – and it must include your full name, mailing address and telephone number. The ABC inspector assigned to the case will make cold calls to verify some letters. And, sometimes letters get “lost”, or “misfiled,” so sending them to me is best to ensure that they are logged and verified. Reference 1225 Folsom Street.

State of California, Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
71 Stevenson Street, Suite 1500
San Francisco, CA 94105
You have a voice, you have a choice. Want this bar? All of the elected officials listed above have copies of the letters you have sent to me so far – now call them and tell them what you think.
David

http://MenInGear.com

David A. Morgan, founder
374 11th Street, Unit Five
San Francisco, CA 94103
415.676.7035/cellular - 415.454.5035/fax
david@MenInGear.com - http://www.MenInGear.com

PROJECT RUNWAY 4 "JACK"

Not Work Safe
http://twoboysandadog.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/11/jack-mackenro-1.html